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Speculation has quickly begun as to who will ultimately be the next head coach of the LSU Tigers after Brian Kelly’s firing on Sunday. On Wednesday, another candidate with strong ties to the LSU program and a history of success in Baton Rouge emerged. Kelly’s predecessor at LSU, Ed Orgeron, hasn’t coached in college football since being let go by the program after the 2021 season. However, prior to Kelly being fired, the former National Championship-winning coach shared his intention to return to coaching, which certainly creates intrigue as to whether a potential reunion is possible that would see Orgeron return to Baton Rouge. On Wednesday, Orgeron appeared on ESPN’s “Unsportsmanlike” to discuss the vacancy at his former school. When asked directly whether he would have any interest in returning to coach the Tigers, Coach O quickly made it clear that he would “love” to chance to be the head coach of the program again. BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 27: LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron reacts before a game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Tiger Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) More news: Texas’ Steve Sarkisian Receives Blunt Warning About Titans Coaching Job “Oh, I’d love to,” said Orgeron. “Are you kidding me? I am one phone call away. I just have to get in my truck, I could be there today.” “Do you want to be the next LSU head coach?”Coach O: “I’d love to. Are you kidding me?”(via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/ntj6B2Ghbo— Baton Rouge Boot Krewe Media (@BatonRougeBKM) October 29, 2025 Regardless of how Orgeron feels about potentially being the head coach of the Tigers, it seems unlikely that LSU athletic director Scott Woodward would be willing to give him this opportunity. After all, Woodward was the man who made the decision to fire him in the first place. Interestingly, it seems as if Orgeron’s return to Baton Rouge is not entirely contingent on being the head coach. In a follow-up question, the former LSU head coach was asked whether he would potentially return to LSU as an assistant under Lane Kiffin if the Ole Miss coach were to accept the LSU position. Given Orgeron’s past serving as an assistant under Kiffin during their time at USC, Coach O said that this possibility is something he would also consider. “Yeah, I would consider it,” added Orgeron. “I love LSU, I still have my home in Baton Rouge. When I coached with Coach Miles, I was the defensive line coach. I love the Tigers. And I am getting back to coaching. For sure, I would consider it, no doubt.” Ed Orgeron on a return to LSU 👀“I’m one call away.”Also says he’d consider being an assistant if Lane Kiffin were HC. pic.twitter.com/CZ4wJAW5Np— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) October 29, 2025 More news: Paul Finebaum Predicts Another SEC Coach Could be Fired After Brian Kelly Orgeron returning as an assistant coach certainly seems like it would be a more realistic possibility. So if Kiffin does ultimately leave Ole Miss for LSU, it will be interesting to see whether this scenario plays out. Regardless, given Orgeron’s track record of success as a coach, he should certainly field plenty of interest around college football this coming offseason, whether it be for an assistant position or as a head coach. For more on the LSU Tigers and all things college football, head to Newsweek Sports.
